Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Celebrate the season with a festive, cheesy holiday main: Best Christmas Stuffed Shells.

introduction

These Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are a bright, comforting baked pasta perfect for holiday dinners or any winter gathering. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, nestled in rich marinara, and topped with melted mozzarella for a bubbly, golden finish. They look festive on the table and are easy to prepare ahead.

why make this recipe

• Crowd-pleasing: cheesy, savory, and familiar flavors that both kids and adults love.
• Make-ahead friendly: assemble in advance and bake when guests arrive.
• Festive presentation: the stuffed shells look decorative and are easy to portion.
• Nutritious boost: spinach adds color and vitamins without overpowering the dish.

how to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Follow a few straightforward steps—cook shells, mix the filling, stuff shells, assemble in sauce, and bake until bubbly. The key is to cook shells to al dente so they hold the filling without falling apart, and to drain excess moisture from the ricotta mixture for a creamy but stable filling.

Ingredients :

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then cover with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Serve hot directly from the baking dish for a rustic family-style presentation or plate individual portions with a spoonful of extra sauce. Pair with:

• A green salad with vinaigrette to cut richness
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• A glass of red wine or sparkling nonalcoholic cider for holiday flair

how to store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

• Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly with foil or an airtight lid, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Assemble but do not bake; freeze in a covered, oven-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking (add 10–15 minutes to baking time covered).
• Reheating: Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes); remove foil for the last 5–10 minutes to re-crisp the top.

tips to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the shells: Aim for al dente so they hold filling without tearing.
• Squeeze excess water from thawed or raw spinach to prevent a watery filling.
• Use room-temperature ricotta and egg for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• Reserve a little extra marinara to spoon over finished shells when serving for added moisture.
• Let rest 5–10 minutes after baking so the filling sets and serving is neater.

variation (if any)

• Meat version: Add 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta mixture.
• Three-cheese: Stir in a little fontina or provolone with the mozzarella for extra meltiness.
• Vegan option: Use a tofu-ricotta or cashew-based cheese substitute and dairy-free mozzarella.
• Herb-forward: Fold in fresh basil or oregano for brighter, fresher flavor.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes—thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing into the filling.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and verify that the marinara and cheeses are gluten-free.

Q: How many does this serve?
A: With 20 shells, plan for about 4–6 servings depending on portion sizes and sides.

Conclusion

For a tried-and-true holiday centerpiece that feels special but stays simple, these Best Christmas Stuffed Shells deliver classic flavors and easy preparation—if you want another festive stuffed-shells perspective with tips and photos, check out Ultimate Stuffed Shells to Ring in the Holidays.